The next day…
The plane reaches cruising altitude, but leveling out does little to untangle the knots in my stomach. I haven’t been able to relax since the behemoth of a man plopped his sculpted ass on the leather sofa across from mine. Colton’s presence spreads across the private jet’s cabin like a virus. It’s suffocating and reminds me why I wanted to do this alone.
A disgruntled huff escapes me while I slump lower in my seat. “I still can’t believe you’re crashing my vacation. This was meant to be a solo excursion.”
Colton just grunts. That’s it. No actual words to engage in a respectful conversation.
Good thing I can talk for both of us.
“Once we land, feel free to go your own way. I don’t need you following me around.”
The flat look he shoots at me disagrees.
“Brody wouldn’t know, if that’s what you’re worried about,” I try. “It can be our secret.”
The mention of my older brother doesn’t make an impact on his stony features. I would’ve been surprised if it did, but it was worth a shot. Colton is extremely loyal to his best friend. When Brody hired him to escort me, there was zero resistance. He owes him much more than babysitting duty. Whatever insane amount he’s getting paid doesn’t help my case either.
Defeat rests on my chest like a sack of bricks. It adds to the grief and stress and exhaustion already piled on me. My breathing kicks up. I count to three, slowly exhaling the pressure from my lungs.I miss my mom. What I wouldn’t give for just one more hug. The harsh truth that I’ll never get one is devastating.
All I have pushing me forward is the determination to fly free for once. But the ginormous dream killer across from me wants to clip my wings—just like Brody and Dad.
“Please, Colton. The entire point is to go off on my own. It’s really important to me.”
He doesn’t so much as blink. His lack of compassion is concerning. It troubles me more than it should. I suddenly feel too exposed and avert my gaze to the nearest window. It’s dark beyond the glass, which offers zero comfort. Maybe this is a mistake.
I hang my head, allowing the pain to wash over me. Mom’s death is still fresh like a festering wound. She left us so suddenly. My emotions have been rubbed raw over the past two months. Sorrow sunk its claws deep and I desperately needed a reprieve.
As if the agony of losing my mother wasn’t enough, the entire town has placed bets for when I’ll crumble. Odds were sooner than later if I’d stuck around.
I told my brother I needed to do some soul searching and find myself. It might seem strange and probably selfish, but I couldn’t stay at the manor for another minute. The walls startedclosing in on me, regardless of the mansion’s size. Our family estate is too empty without Mom. Her absence is a gaping hole at every turn. I had to get out of there, just for a reset. No matter how brief.
This trip was my mom’s idea. She’d dreamed of touring Europe when she was younger. Since she never got the chance, I decided to do it for both of us. Once the idea formed, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I didn’t make plans beyond getting to Germany. That’s where she mentioned wanting to start once. My uninvited guest doesn’t fit into the itinerary.
Colton continues to stare straight ahead as I pull myself from those thoughts. His expression is stoic and impassive, revealing just how happy he is to be here. We have that in common, which might make it easier to get rid of him.
With nothing else to look at, my gaze takes a leisurely stroll across his face. Tan skin emphasizes rugged features. That stubbled jaw could cut steel. Muscles are stacked on muscles underneath his snug shirt. I’d appreciate it if he didn’t look so damn hot on the clock. The grumpy attitude really does it for me too.
A long-winded sigh breezes from my pursed lips. At least I have decent scenery for the duration of the flight. Once we land, I’ll find someone more personable to scratch this itch he’s inflicted with his broody bossiness. Either that or I’ll sleep for an entire day. The latter is more likely.
Weariness settles in my bones and I sigh. I’m just so fucking tired of pretending. I wanted to go somewhere to escape the reputation of our last name for a while. Where nobody knows me. It’s not too much to ask.
But now, I’m trapped on a plane with my brother’s best friend and he won’t even speak to me.
I don’t know what it is about Colton that grates on my nerves. Maybe it’s the fact I can never get a reaction from him. At this point, I just want to see him falter.
“I’m horny.” My voice is a purr as I sprawl out on the couch. “Let’s have sex.”
Colton’s blue eyes clash into mine. Static crackles between us as he watches me. He’s completely still. I’m not sure if he’s even breathing.
Laughter bursts free from my successful strategy. “Oh, that’s what it takes? You’re totally busted, Cowboy.”
The heat in his smolder fizzles into a glare. “Brat.”
I recoil. “Excuse you?”
Colton’s nostrils flare from a heavy exhale. “You’re a spoiled brat, Princess.”
Fire smacks my cheeks. “And you’re a rude asshole.”
